From the smelliest of pirate dogs to the most unusual fishing exploits ever to take place on the high seas, these pages are filled with poetic explorations of the jolliest pirate crew. Readers of all ages are invited to come on board, wearing their best party hat, to enjoy squid and seaweed cake with fish icing at a very silly birthday party, and sail along on these lively adventures.

With an amusing use of rhythm, repetition, and alliteration, author Eric Ode introduces a bumbling array of scallywags, including Red Eye Jack, the pirate ghost; Jerry, the juggling pirate; and Kraken, beast of the seas. Ode’s engaging poems are well matched with Jim Harris’s colorful and humorous illustrations, the perfect combination for a rip-roaring journey on the salty seas.

About the AuthorEric Ode is an award-winning performing artist who carried his love of loopy word play into the classroom as an elementary teacher. After earning a master’s degree in education technology, he hung up his teaching hat to travel the country. During his performances, Ode focuses on engaging even the youngest of learners with his collection of rollicking characters immortalized in poetry and song. He lives with his wife, Kim, and their two children, two dogs, and four chickens in western Washington.

About the IllustratorJim Harris is a prolific illustrator of children’s books who employs great detail and humor in his artwork. His trademark style has earned him numerous awards, including a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators, the coveted Communication Arts’ Award of Excellence, and the Colorado Children’s Book Award. Harris has also written and illustrated a long list of children’s books, including Dinosaur’s Night Before Christmas and The Three Little Dinosuars, both published by Pelican Publishing Company.

"The poems in this captivating collection will turn even the most reluctant child into a lover of doggerel. The book features rollicking rhymes like this one from the title poem: 'When you're a pirate dog your life is free from troubles. They never put yo...

Whisks You Away on Voyages You Least Expect

Cindy Valler, Pirates and Privateers - 05/18/2012

This collection of poems introduces children, young and old alike, to life with pirates and an assortment of critters associated with them, such as a pirate dog or the kraken. The poetry contains an element of realism, but humor abounds in the text and th...